Senior researchers lead and advance research programs, turning complex questions into rigorous studies and actionable insights. Browse vetted senior researcher opportunities on Ladders, including roles with salaries of $100,000 or more across industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, academia, and life sciences.
Responsibilities vary by discipline, but senior researchers commonly shape research agendas, design methodologies, analyze and interpret data, and communicate findings to technical and executive audiences. They may mentor research teams, manage projects and budgets, publish or present results, and partner with product, clinical, policy, or business teams to apply discoveries.
Employers often seek deep subject-matter expertise, strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, and a record of conducting high-quality research. Depending on the role, qualifications may include an advanced degree, experience with statistical analysis or specialized laboratory methods, proficiency with relevant research tools, and a history of publications, patents, or successful research programs. Clear writing, collaboration, project leadership, and ethical research practices are valuable across fields.
Compensation depends on industry, location, specialization, education, and scope of responsibility. Senior researcher roles can offer competitive salaries, particularly in sectors where advanced technical knowledge and research leadership are in demand. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates explore opportunities aligned with their expertise.
Search senior researcher jobs by specialty, location, and employer to identify roles that fit your career goals. Review each listing for its responsibilities and requirements, then tailor your application to highlight relevant research outcomes, leadership experience, and measurable impact.
Senior Clinical Project Manager
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's advancing oncology solutions by managing global clinical trials. Lead project execution from protocol development to study closeout, ensuring quality and compliance while fostering...
2 weeks ago
Senior Analyst, Program Control
$118K - $148K *
Lead the charge in optimizing program performance through advanced financial analysis, cost management, and strategic decision support, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder exp...
2 weeks ago
Senior Analyst, Program Control
$118K - $148K *
Shape program success by leading financial analysis and reporting, optimizing cost and schedule management across multiple programs, and driving strategic decision-making through data insights and pro...
2 weeks ago
Biomedical Engineer/Clinical Engineer
$90K - $115K *
Lead complex biomedical equipment projects, ensuring effective lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, and technical support to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency in healthcare set...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Partner with us to drive innovation as a technical leader, mentoring engineers and shaping the long-term strategy for high-quality software solutions while tackling complex challenges in a collaborati...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, High-Throughput In Vitro ADME
$137K - $215K *
Elevate your career by leading high-throughput in vitro ADME assay development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in drug discovery, ensuring data integrity and operational e...
2 weeks ago
Staff Research Scientist - Post-Training for Agents
$320K - $400K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative research in reinforcement learning and autonomous agents, shaping technical direction, and collaborating across teams to translate findings into scalable solutio...
2 weeks ago
Senior Environmental Risk Assessor
$75K - $136K *
Champion progress at the forefront of environmental health by leading risk assessments, collaborating with clients, and mentoring professionals. Drive impactful solutions for ecological and human heal...
2 weeks ago
Senior Environmental Risk Assessor
$75K - $136K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing environmental health through risk assessments. Lead projects addressing contaminants, collaborate globally, and mentor professionals while supporting critical...
2 weeks ago
Senior Environmental Risk Assessor
$75K - $136K *
Lead the charge in conducting human health and ecological risk assessments, collaborating with clients and regulatory agencies while mentoring colleagues. Engage in data analysis and support emergency...
2 weeks ago
Senior Process Engineer, Assay Development
$131K - $140K *
Shape the future of clinical genomics by developing automated workflows for NGS assays. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate innovative chemistry into robust, scalable processes ready...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Lead the charge in advancing upstream bioprocessing through scientific insights and technical leadership. Collaborate across teams to drive product development and enhance customer outcomes in cell cu...
1 week ago
Staff Research Scientist - Post-Training for Agents
$320K - $400K *
Shape the future of AI research by driving innovative projects in reinforcement learning and autonomous agents. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate research into scalable solutions, w...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $128K *
Engineer innovative solutions in pharmaceutical manufacturing, driving asset performance and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and efficiency while leading con...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's pioneering advanced thermal management solutions for military and commercial applications. Lead projects from concept to production, utilizing innovative technologies to solve compl...
5 days ago
Senior Environmental Risk Assessor
$75K - $136K *
Lead comprehensive human health and ecological risk assessments, addressing contaminants like PFAS. Collaborate globally, mentor colleagues, and support emergency response initiatives while engaging w...
2 weeks ago
Senior Pharmacovigilance (PV) Clinical Scientist
$120K - $224K *
Unlock potential by leading pharmacovigilance efforts to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, oversee vendor quality, and drive operational excell...
3 weeks ago
Biomechanics Test Lab Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of testing and evaluation for orthopedic products, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams to produce accurate reports and maintain lab operations, supportin...
2 weeks ago
Senior Laser Scientist - New Product Introduction
$125K - $175K *
Drive the development of innovative laser systems, guiding design from concept to production while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure performance, manufacturability, and quality in cu...
1 week ago
$213K - $266K *
Advance your career by leading a dynamic research team to innovate and deliver cutting-edge technology solutions. Drive strategic initiatives and foster collaboration to enhance productivity and effec...
Yesterday
$144K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to analyze and interpret dark sector surveys, bridging measurements and theoretical insights in cosmology. Contribute to groundbreaking projects and shape future missions in unders...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of B2B technology marketing by driving strategic insights, conducting in-depth research, and mentoring junior strategists. Collaborate with top tech companies to deliver actionable st...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes by leading technical initiatives, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance produ...
5 days ago
$94K - $138K *
Elevate the user experience by conducting impactful UX research, guiding teams through qualitative and quantitative studies, and delivering actionable insights that drive product decisions in a fast-p...
1 week ago
Research Manager, AI Infrastructure
$202K - $310K *
Empower innovation by leading research in AI computing infrastructure. Collaborate with a talented team to translate cutting-edge systems research into impactful products, balancing long-term vision w...
1 week ago
What does a senior researcher do?
A senior researcher plans and leads research, selects appropriate methods, analyzes evidence, and communicates findings. Many also mentor colleagues, manage projects, and collaborate with teams that use research results.
What qualifications are typically required for senior researcher jobs?
Requirements depend on the field. Employers commonly look for substantial research experience, subject expertise, analytical skills, and sometimes a master's degree or PhD. Specialized methods, publications, or team leadership may also be required.
How much do senior researchers earn?
Pay varies by discipline, employer, location, and experience. Ladders features vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, including senior researcher opportunities when available.
Which industries hire senior researchers?
Senior researchers work in areas such as technology, life sciences, healthcare, finance, consulting, government, and academia. Specific job titles and responsibilities differ across industries.
How can I find senior researcher jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse senior researcher listings on Ladders and filter opportunities by relevant criteria such as location and specialty. Compare qualifications and responsibilities, and emphasize measurable research impact in your application.